The expansion comes after Newgate ranked third in Mergermarket's Asia-Pacific M&A table for 2017 in terms of value, ahead of several bigger rivals. "Establishing a Shanghai office is a natural extension for Newgate, to meet strong demand from both Chinese and global businesses for support on the increasingly complex communications issues they face," said Barton.

Zhang, who previously worked at Kreab Gavin Anderson until joining Newgate in 2013, becomes Shanghai managing partner and head of China.

"As Chinese companies increasingly look beyond their home base and global firms seek both to build and protect their reputations in China, our new Shanghai office offers a perfect platform for continued growth," said Zhang.